These easy pom pom caterpillars are a great, all-ages kids’ craft. Building these hungry insects gives an opportunity to teach about their lifecycle. Below is a simple, printable illustration that can be used to explain metamorphosis.
Gather the following materials:
First, cut out the leaves in a cloud-like shape. Aim to make clouds about 4 inches long by three inches tall.
Next, use markers to create the leaf veins and add any other details. My children took a more abstract approach to decorating their leaves – but they are both toddlers.
Add a little glue to each saucer and give one to each child working on a caterpillar. Ask each kid to create a line of glue down the center of the leaf. Add pom poms on top of this glue line. The overall length of the caterpillar is dependent on personal taste, and in some cases, attention span. It’s easy to make a line if you fold the leaf vertically first, and this is another little task that teaches the important skill of … folding … as in your clothes when you get older!
Now, add a little dab of glue to the back of each googly eye and apply to the insect’s “head.”
Below is a simple graphic to show each step:
Last, use the hole punch to take a few “bites” from each leaf. Let each project dry, then display it proudly on your fridge! It’s sure to spark great conversations with your kids when they come to the kitchen for snacks and meals.
My mom has used this craft to teach small children about personal growth and metamorphosis as it relates to faith; these pom pom caterpillars served as the vehicle for her lesson in the toddler Sunday school at her church. She was also able to tie in the idea of Christ rising from his tomb, and transforming into something more powerful than before.
Jackie Baird Richardson is an interior designer, editor at The WON and avid junker. Watch for her design tips and occasional crafting ideas, bringing the outdoors indoors. View all posts by Jackie Richardson
